Mapping the contested border between science and faith
Origins Mapping - The book Mapping - Reviews Origins Mapping - the book Mapping - Reviews
Scot McKnight, Author of The Jesus Creed and Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary:
"I suspect this book will be an exceptional source for adult study groups and Christian college classes. I think pastors would benefit from this book, too."
RJS, on Jesus Creed
"Several of the scholars at the [Templeton Foundation] workshop on Evolution and Christian Faith referred to this book and the usefulness of Rau's discussion of models in framing the discussion."
"I recommend this book as an introduction to discussions of origins, for those who are interested, any criticisms are outweighed by the positive aspects of the book."
Nate Claiborne, Bible teacher at International Community School in Orlando FL
"I found this book to almost completely strength. It well written and accessible to audiences who are not schooled in scientific jargon. ... This book would make a great supplement in a biology class, but it is also an enjoyable read for anyone interested in the creation vs. evolution discussion/debate." (sic)
One of his top 3 books of the year in the category Apologetics.
Andy LePeau, IVP Editor and Blogger
"In an era of extreme, vitriolic rhetoric, when someone offers calm, straightforward fairness, it is like a cool, refreshing breeze on a hot, muggy day. That is what Gerald Rau provides in Mapping the Origins Debate on the very contentious issue of evolution and creation. He offers a model not only of clarity in thought but of civility in presentation."
Craig Hurst, life long reader
"What I think Rau has done the best is show how ones philosophical commitments influence how a person interprets the scientific evidence. In each of the four main chapters Rau does a masterful job of weaving these together for the reader. That is the biggest take away from the book and makes it well worth reading."
David Hamid, Bishop of the Church of England Diocese in Europe
"This is not a book that gives a particular answer to the question of the origins of the universe and of planet earth. Readers who want that will be disappointed. What it does do is to identify in a level headed and even handed way the key issues involved in looking at this question and why people looking at the same evidence continue to disagree about the answer to it. What this book offers its readers is the opportunity to become better informed about the current debates on origins and better thinkers about the issues at stake and for that reason it is well worth reading."
J.W. Wartick, graduate student in Christian Apologetics at Biola University
"If I could recommend one book to anyone who is going to get involved in creation issues, I would have to say I'd recommend Gerald Rau's Mapping the Origins Debate: Six Models of the Beginning of Everything."
Paul Gould, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Christian Apologetics at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary:
"I highly recommend to you this book. Apart from the above helpful models, Rau nicely elucidates the underlying hermeneutical, theological, and philosophical presuppositions to each position."
Listed as one of his 3 favorite books of the year in the category Apologetics/Theology.
Brian LePort, adjunct at Western Seminary
"The nice thing about this book is Rau will tell you how these folk interpret the data without using vitriolic rhetoric that attempts to dismiss them outright. Likewise, for someone who finds his or her self on the more conservative end of the spectrum, you'll find Rau might give you more appreciation for those you once dismissed as merely godless. This is what appears to be the greatest strength of the book: it brings together proponents of differing worldviews who may never have come together for dialogue on their own."
(c) 2014 Gerald Rau